Mt. Hapunang Banoi - Climbing the Eagles' Eyrie

The popularity of the Wawa area in Rodriguez, Rizal as a mountaineering/hiking destination has really reached leaps and bounds since the time that the area was formally opened earlier this 2015. When we first hiked the trails of Mt. Binacayan and Mt Pamitinan, Mt. Hapunang Banoi is yet to be formally opened for mountaineers and hikers. Hence, as fate would have it, we saved the best (...and for me the hardest..) for last.

Peak 1

Peak 2

Peak 3 (Summit)

From our usual meeting place in Quezon City, we left for Wawa at 0515H and arrived at the registration center at 0600H. Surprisingly, the local guide assigned to us was Alvin, our guide when we first hiked the trails in Wawa.

We immediately commenced hiking after saying our own personal prayers. We crossed the Hanging Bridge to the other side of Wawa River, and made our way to the concrete steps leading to the residential area until we had to cross the mini-river onwards to the forest part of the trail. We continued and decided to take a short rest at the fork leading to Pamitinan Cave.

...at the Hanging Bridge

The famous Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan



Wawa River

The wrath of Typhoon Lando wreaked havoc on the Banana Trees along the trail.

We then passed by the huge "Balete Tree" and decided to pushed towards The Wall. As proof of Wawa's new-found popularity as a hiking destination, there are already bamboo benches in the area. Alvin informed us that it is here where the Convi Stores were initially located before they transferred at the Junction.

Bamboo benches at The Wall

We arrived at the Pamitinan - Hapunang Banoi Junction at 0710H. And as mentioned by Alvin, there are already three (3) stores there (where an "ulingan" was previously located), whereas the storekeepers were already busy preparing their wares. Commercialism has really invaded the trails in Wawa.

At the Junction

There are already three (3) Convi Stores at the Junction (as of this writing).

Rest Station / Stores at the Junction / Formerly "Ulingan"

After some chitchat and a considerable period for us to catch our next breath, we proceeded towards the Hapunang Banoi Trail. A few meters from the junction, there is a table with benches made of bamboo. It is supposedly available for mountaineers/hikers for free. A few meters from here, we saw an ulingan.

After the initial rolling terrain, the trail shall become of the stairway-type. However, hikers would need to hold on to the rock and boulders in some section of the trail. Nevertheless, forest cover is adequate until perhaps the Summit Area (Peak 3).

Trail to Hapunang Banoi fron the Junction

Bouldering...Peak 1 rises above

Mt. Pamitinan...still have time to catch the Sea of Clouds

Mt. Parawagan...Wawa River

Quarry

Climber

As we got higher in elevation (prior to Peak 1), the forest cover shall give way to a vast bamboo (Bukawe) grove. Nevertheless, the bouldering and rock scrambling continued (actually, this went on until the Summit). For comparison, if Mt. Binacayan would be the fitting introduction to climbing in Wawa and Mt. Pamitinan is a bit harder than the former, then Mt. Hapunang Banoi has raised the degree of rock climbing / scrambling to a new level.

Bouldering

Rest Stop

As we approach Peak 1, we were fortunate to have witnessed the mesmerizing Sea of Clouds in Wawa. Hence, should you wish to witness the same phenomenon, it would be advisable for you to start your hike in Wawa as early as before sunrise. As for us, we took the time off to enjoy it with the rest of the Sierra Madre as backdrop.

Sea of Clouds

Sierra Madre in the horizon

Breathless



No need to spend so much to experience the Sea of Clouds

At 0745H, we arrived at Peak 1, which is one of the highlights of the climb. Should you wish to scale Peak 1, you will need to rock climb for more or less 25 feet. The apex of Peak 1 can only accommodate 3 to 4 persons at any given time. Anything more than that would multiply the risks of climbing it. Also, directly beneath Peak 1 is a cavity, and in it is a hole that seems to be a previous treasure hunting site (as Alvin suggested).

At Peak 1, we were mesmerized by the beauty of the surroundings. Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Parawagan dominate the southeast. It was here that Alvin mentioned the fact that Mt. Parawagan lies within the Marikina West Valley Fault. Mt. Ayaas also looms next to Hapunang Banoi and the trail leading to it can be traced in the horizon.

While climbing Peak 1 is already a challenge, going down from its apex is actually harder since you would have to trust your instincts, much less, the guide as you go through the maze in the limestone wall.

There is a big hole in this cavity beneath Peak 1

Peak 1...one needs to rock climb to get to the top

rough and jagged

climb pa more

Mt. Ayaas as seen from Peak 1

Nope...that is not the Summit Area...just Peak 2 and the Summit is still beyond it.



The fall...so be extra careful

One of the thickest bamboo groves I've seen

...very limited space at Peak 1

what a wonderful sight...Peak 1...Mt. Pamitinan in the background.

From Peak 1, we continued hiking until we arrived at the viewpoint where the mightiness of Peak 2 is best enjoyed. This is also a favorite area where hikers and mountaineers take their pictures. The are likewise serves as a rest stop especially when other groups are just making their way up to Peak 2. Remember that as you go higher / closer to the summit in Hapunang Banoi, the rock climbing / scrambling become harder. Hence, traffic is a common occurrence along the trail.

....at the Viewpoint

Mr. Lonely

Climb buddies...all the way.

....Antay pa more...

From the "Viewpoint", there is a series of rock climbing / scrambling that follows. The rocks/boulders nonetheless are obviously sharper. Once we have reached this part of the climb / trail, we have realized that climbing Mt. Hapunang Banoi with the help of a local guide is really essential because of the mazelike composition of the trail where hikers need to do rock climbing / scrambling.

It was already 0825H when we arrived at Peak 2, which is actually the top of a magnificent limestone formation.


That is the wall...Peak 2...taken from the viewpoint (popular for its tree)

Peak 2

The sun is up...and the temperature rises.

....Engr...parang juma-jamming ka lang ah...heehee

...a balancing act

From Peak 2, we hiked until we reached the clearing just before the final assault to the Summit area. This is actually the best place to make a rest stop before and/or after exploring the summit of Hapunang Banoi. The canopy of small bamboos (Bukawe) are just perfect to shield you from the hot sun, and there is a wall of rocks for additional protection.

...Alvin and me, enjoying the shade at the clearing before the Summit Area

After giving time for the other groups to enjoy the Summit, we continued our way in this mazelike climb. Left without any cover, the sun beamed with all its might, and the humidity is just so intense. Making your way towards the summit is really a challenge, as one really needs to maintain balance while ensuring the firmness of the rocks that just seem to cling to one another.

It was already 0930H when we reached the Summit. We were so glad to have finally completed our aim of climbing every mountain in Wawa that are already open for hikers and mountaineers. It just feels so great to feel your feet again after going through some suspended animation in balancing and scrambling your way towards the Summit (Peak 3).

Summit Area

At the Summit

Limestones

One needs to scramble his/her way through this maze of limestone in order to get to the Summit

In order to give the other climbers the chance to enjoy the Summit, much less because of the extreme heat at that time, we finally decided to descend at 0945H and go back to the clearing where we shared stories with other hikers and mountaineers. We spent roughly 20 minutes there before we decided to finally descend back to the junction and onwards to the jumpoff.

Mt. Hapunang Banoi really is not only a test of one's strength and endurance, but also of one's skill. In this regard I have to say that while a newbie may be able to successfully summit Mt. Hapunang Banoi, it would be so much helpful if the newbie knows at least the most basic of mountaineering skills before venturing into the Eagle's Eyrie.

Bye for now...

....but before I end this post..."ayan daw ang nasasabing "pototoy" ni Bernardo Carpio"....heehee.

  

Traipsing Chronicles 028
010.024.015
Mt. Hapunang Banoi
Sitio Wawa, Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal
Jump off point: Wawa Dam, San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal
Minor Climb: 5/10
Highlights: Limestone formations; Bouldering; limestone rock-climbing; views of Metro Manila and the La Mesa Dam, Mt. Pamitinan, Mt. Binacayan, Mt. Ayaas, Mt. Parawagan, Mt. Arayat, and Mt. Balagbag, and of the rest of Sierra Madre.

Actual Itinerary

Mt. Hapunang Banoi

0515H  -  Meet-up McDonald's Eton Centris
0600H  -  Arrival in Sitio Wawa
0610H  -  Register at the DENR / Prepare Gears
0620H  -  Commence Hiking
0630H  -  Reached the Junction to Pamitinan Cave
0635H  -  Arrival at the Huge Balete Tree
0650H  -  Arrival at the Wall
0710H  -  Arrival at the Pamitinan-Hapunang Banoi junction - (Snacks)
0725H  -  Continue hiking - take trail to Hapunang Banoi
0745H  -  Arrival at Peak 1
0800H  -  Reached the view deck before the assault to Peak 2
0825H  -  Arrival at Peak 2
0835H  -  Continue assault to Summit
0850H  -  Arrival at the clearing before the final Rock Scrambling to Summit / Wait for our turn
0910H  -  Continue towards the Summit
0930H  -  Finally reached the Summit - (actual Summit Area can accommodate 3-4 persons only)
0945H  -  Start descending from the Summit
0955H  -  Back at the clearing (now after - the Final Rock Scrambling to the Summit)
1015H  -  Continue descending towards the junction
1055H  -  Back at the Pamitinan-Hapunang Banoi junction - (Buy Snacks)
1120H  -  Commence descent to the jumpoff
1130H  -  Arrival at the Wall
1150H  -  Arrival at the jumpoff
                   L  U  N  C  H
1245H  -  Wash up at Sophie's Shower
1320H  -  Departure from Wawa to QC
1420H  -  Back at MRT Quezon Ave.

Other relevant posts about the mountains in Rodriguez, Rizal that you may find worthwhile:

Mt. Parawagan - Traverse (A different kind of climb in Wawa)
Mt. Ayaas - Wawa Dam Traverse to Brgy. Mascap
Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan - Twinhike


Hapunang Banoi. The mountain got its name from the fact that in the old days, Philippine Eagles used to feast on their prey in the mountain. In other words, Mt. Hapunang Banoi is really a sanctuary for eagles.

Although Mt. Hapunang Banoi is rated as a "beginner's climb" in other blogs, I consider this as more of an "intermediate climb" due to the terrain that one needs to overcome throughout the climb. Moreover, of all the mountains in the Wawa area, it is the hardest and most treacherous to climb.

Some refer to the mountain as "Hapunang Baboy".

Changes / "Improvements". Aside from the bamboo benches at The Wall and the ConVe Stores at the Pamitinan - Hapunang Banoi junction, another change that we have noticed and/or was confirmed to us is the presence of a "kubo / kubol" at the summit of Mt. Ayaas. This hut was supposed to be created by people who came from Brgy. Mascap as shelter for those hiking up Mt. Ayaas.

Gloves. Climbing with gloves would be useful unless you would not mind suffering some scratches in your hands.

Sea of Clouds. The mountains in the Wawa area are also known to exhibit the sea of clouds phenomena. Just go there early, preferably before sunrise so that you have better chances of witnessing the sea of clouds.

Getting There

Private Transport. From Cubao, you may choose to go to Montalban via Aurora Boulevard passing through Marikina and San Mateo.

However, it is also possible to go to Montalban through Commonwealth Avenue, and then turn right towards Batasan (before Sandiganbayan). Then turn right towards San Mateo. At the end of the road, turn left towards San Mateo. Continue to follow the road until you pass by Rodriguez Town Proper and reach Sitio Wawa.

Public Transport. From Cubao, hail a jeepney/fx going to Rodriguez. Tell the driver to drop you off at Eastwood. From there, you may hire a tricycle in going to Sitio Wawa.

Multi-Climbs. Due to the proximity of the mountains in the Wawa Area, it is possible to do a multi-climb dayhikes. Popular multi-climb hikes are the Mt. Binakayan-Mt. Pamitinan Twinhike or the Mt. Hapunang Banoi - Mt.Pamitinan Twinhike.

Others would do a Trilogy using a combination of climbs like Mt. Binakayan  - Mt. Pamitinan - Mt. Hapunang Banoi Trilogy or the Mt. Hapunang Banoi - Mt. Pamitinan - Mt. Ayaas Trilogy.

There are also those who have done the Wawa Quadrilogy (Mt. Ayaas - Mt. Hapunang Banoi - Mt. Ayaas and Mt, Binakayan) and the most extreme, Wawa Pentalogy Hike (Mt. Sipit Ulang - Mt. Ayaas - Mt. Hapunang Banoi - Mt. Pamitinan - Mt. Binakayan).